Timepiece mechanism comprising a device for correcting two indicator members

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clockwork mechanism comprising a correction device (1) for two indicating members, an actuation device (14) for said correction device (1), and a control member (16). Said correction device (1) is provided with two respective correcting members (10, 12) and is arranged to be movable up to a first extreme correction position (P1) to allow one of the correcting members (10, 12) to act on the associated indicating member to correct it, and up to a second extreme correction position (P2) to allow the other of the correcting members (10, 12) to act on the associated indicating member to correct it.The actuating device (14) is arranged so that it can be controlled by the control member (16) to move said correction device (1) to one of its extreme correction positions (P1, P2) in order to correct one or the other of said indicator members independently. The correction device (1) is arranged so that it can be moved selectively by said actuating device (14), via the control member (16), in a rectilinear translational movement from a neutral position (P0) in one direction between the neutral position (P0) and the first extreme correction position (P1), and in the other direction between the neutral position (P0) and the second extreme correction position (P2), the return to the neutral position (P0) being ensured by an elastic return member (18) associated with the correction device (1).

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clockwork mechanism comprising a correction device for two indicator bodies, said correction device being provided with two correcting members, each arranged to be able to correct its respective indicator body, said correction device being arranged to be movable up to a first extreme correction position to allow one of the correcting members to act on the associated indicator body to correct it, the other of the correcting members being inactive, and up to a second extreme correction position to allow the other of the correcting members to act on the associated indicator body to correct it, said one of the correcting members being inactive,and an actuation device for said correction device arranged to be controllable by a control member to move said correction device to one or the other of its extreme correction positions in order to correct one or the other of the indicator members independently.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a watch movement comprising such a watch mechanism, as well as a timepiece comprising such a watch mechanism or such a watch movement. State of the art

[0003] Such a mechanism is described, for example, in Swiss patent CH 705116. In this document, the correction device consists of a rocker arm equipped with two jaws arranged to act on an associated indicator, depending on the direction of the rocker arm's rotation. Manual correction means are provided to act on the rocker arm so as to rotate it selectively in one direction or the other to correct the indicators independently of each other. Such a construction requires working on the same plane or planes as close as possible. Therefore, a very close arrangement of the two indicators is necessary, which limits the possibilities for organizing the watch movement around the correction mechanism as well as the possible placement of the indicators on the dial.Furthermore, the rocker arm's construction must be precise so that one of the jaws can correct its corresponding indicator without the other also mistakenly correcting its own. Otherwise, due to the close arrangement of the indicators, there is a risk that independent correction of the indicators cannot be guaranteed. In addition, the way the jaws operate does not allow for much travel. Therefore, a large number of teeth on the star wheel is necessary to minimize travel. A lower number of teeth would increase the rocker arm's angle of movement, which would consequently require larger diameters for the drive wheel.

[0004] Furthermore, in patent CH 705116, the rocker arm is also used for the normal operation of the indicators. For this purpose, it requires a very specific construction to allow it to pivot in both directions during normal operation.

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a watch mechanism which includes a correction device for two indicator organs of simple construction and which makes it possible to guarantee independent correction of said indicator organs in complete safety as well as greater freedom in the arrangement of said indicator organs on a dial. Disclosure of the invention

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a clockwork mechanism comprising a correction device for two indicating organs, said correction device being provided with two correcting organs, each arranged to be able to correct its respective indicating organ, said correction device being arranged to be movable up to a first extreme correction position to allow one of the correcting organs to act on its indicating organ to correct it, the other of the correcting organs being inactive, and up to a second extreme correction position to allow the other of the correcting organs to act on its indicating organ to correct it, said one of the correcting organs being inactive, and an actuation device for said correction device and a control organ,said actuation device being arranged so as to be able to be controlled by said control member to move said correction device to one or the other of its extreme correction positions in order to correct one or the other of said indicator members independently.

[0007] According to the invention, said correction device is arranged to be able to be moved selectively by said actuation device, via the control member, in a rectilinear translational movement, from a neutral position, in one direction between said neutral position and the first extreme correction position, and in the other direction between said neutral position and the second extreme correction position, the return to the neutral position being ensured by an elastic return member associated with the correction device.

[0008] Such a rectilinear translational movement of the correcting device allows the indicating elements to be positioned further apart without compromising the accuracy and reliability of their independent correction. The indicating elements can be very far apart. Consequently, it is also easier to organize the various components of the watch movement, as the free surface area around such a correcting device is increased. Furthermore, the indicating elements can be arranged on the dial with greater freedom. Moreover, the correcting device of the invention allows operation on planes that may be at different levels without impairing the correction function. It also allows for the transmission of significant forces.

[0009] The present invention also relates to a watch movement comprising a watch mechanism as defined above.

[0010] The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a clockwork mechanism or movement as defined above. Brief description of the drawings

[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: there figure 1 is a schematic view of a clockwork mechanism according to the invention in a neutral position; the figures 2 to 5 are schematic views of the clockwork mechanism of the figure 1 in different positions from the neutral position to the first extreme correction position; and the figures 6 to 8 are schematic views of the clockwork mechanism of the figure 1 in different positions up to the second extreme correction position. Embodiments of the invention

[0012] With reference to the figure 1 The present invention relates to a clockwork mechanism comprising a correction device 1 for a first and a second indicating organ of a clock movement. Said first and second indicating organs are represented here solely by a first star 2 and a second star 4, respectively, each being kinematically linked to its respective indicating organ. For example, each star 2, 4 can be fixed to its associated indicating organ. In a known manner, each of the first and second stars 2, 4 is subjected to the action of a respective jump spring 6, 8 fixed to the frame.

[0013] The said indicating organs of the watch movement may be, for example, hour and minute indicating organs, such as discs bearing the hour and minute numerals, or any other organ arranged to indicate other information which must be able to be corrected manually by a user when using the watch movement over time, the said information to be indicated by the two indicating organs being able to be dependent or independent of each other.

[0014] The correction device 1 is provided with two correction members 10, 12, each of said correction members 10, 12 being arranged to correct its respective indicating member, namely a first correction member 10 intended to cooperate with the first star 2 by rotating it in steps, here in a counterclockwise direction (as seen by looking at the figure 1), to rotate the first indicating organ to correct it step by step, and a second correcting organ 12 designed to cooperate with the second star 4 by rotating it step by step, here clockwise (seen by looking at the figure 1 ), to rotate the second indicator organ to correct it step by step.

[0015] Preferably, the correction elements 10, 12 are ratchets, each associated with a return spring 10a, 12a respectively.

[0016] The correction device 1 is arranged to be mobile up to a first extreme correction position to allow one of the correction members 10, 12 to act on its associated indicator member via the associated star 2, 4 to correct said indicator member, the other of the correction members 10, 12 being inactive, and up to a second extreme correction position to allow the other of the correction members 10, 12 to act on its associated indicator member to correct said indicator member, said one of the correction members 10, 12 being inactive.

[0017] The watch mechanism also includes an actuation device 14 for said correction device 1 and a control member 16, preferably manual, said actuation device 14 being arranged so that it can be controlled by said control member 16 to move said correction device 1 to either of its extreme correction positions to correct either of said indicator members independently, as will be described in more detail below.

[0018] According to the invention, the correction device 1 is arranged so that it can be selectively moved by the actuation device 14, via the control member 16, in a rectilinear translational movement along an axis X from a neutral position P0 in one direction, here to the left, as seen by looking at the figure 1, between said neutral position P0 and the first extreme correction position P1, and or in the other direction, here to the right, seen by looking at the figure 1 , between said neutral position P0 and the second extreme correction position P2, the return to the neutral position P0 being ensured by an elastic return element 18 associated with the correction device 1 when the correction device 1 is no longer subjected to the action of the actuation device 14.

[0019] In an advantageous way, each correction member 10, 12 is a ratchet arranged to drive the associated indicator member, via its associated star 2, 4, by one step for its correction, at each translational displacement along the X axis of the correction device 1 up to the extreme correction position in the corresponding direction.

[0020] Advantageously, the correction device 1 comprises a slide 20 whose main dimension extends along the X-axis of the translational movement and is capable of moving in rectilinear translation along the X-axis between the two extreme correction positions P1 and P2. The positions P0, P1 and P2 correspond to the length occupied by the slide 20 along the X-axis relative to the frame, said length being taken between the two ends 20a, 20b of the slide, when said slide 20 is in said position P0, P1, P2, respectively, relative to the frame.

[0021] In order to guide the slide 20 in translation, it preferably has two oblong grooves 22, in which are arranged two guide screws 24 attached to the frame.

[0022] The elastic return element 18 is mounted at one end on the frame. Its other end 18a is associated with the correction device 1. For this purpose, said end 18a has a slot in which a pin 26 fixed to the slide 20 passes. It is quite clear that any other return element can be used, such as a double-leaf spring.

[0023] Advantageously, said first and second correcting members 10, 12 are positioned on the slide 20 so that one is inactive with respect to the associated indicator member when the other acts on the other associated indicator member.

[0024] To this end, the first and second correction elements 10, 12 are arranged on the slide 20 relative to their respective star 2, 4 such that, when one of the correction elements 10, 12 acts on the associated star 2, 4, the other correction element 10, 12 is located outside the radius of gyration of its associated star 2, 4. Thus, the correction device 1 is only active on one side at a time, this active side depending on the direction of translation of the slide 20.

[0025] Preferably, the first correction member 10, i.e., the pawl and its spring 10a, is mounted at the end 20a of the slide 20, and the second correction member 12, i.e., the pawl and its spring 12a, is mounted at the end 20b of the slide 20. The first correction member 10 is mounted upstream of the associated star 2, i.e., behind the star 2 relative to the direction of movement of the slide 20 when the first correction member 10 is activated. The second correction member 12 is mounted upstream of the associated star 4, i.e., behind the star 4 relative to the direction of movement of the slide 20 when the second correction member 12 is activated.

[0026] Furthermore, preferably, the first and second correction members 10, 12 are arranged on the slide 20 relative to their respective star 2, 4 so that said correction members 10, 12 are located outside the radius of gyration of their respective star 2, 4 when the correction device is in neutral position P0 so as not to interfere with the normal operation of the indicating members, if applicable.

[0027] Advantageously, the actuation device 14 includes a lever 28 arranged to be linked to the correction device 1 and to be able to pivot at a pivot point C in one direction, by an angle +α, between a rest position and a first extreme angular position so as to drive the correction device 1, and more specifically the slide 20, from its neutral position P0 to its first extreme correction position P1, and to be able to pivot in the other direction, by an angle -α, between the rest position and a second extreme angular position so as to drive the correction device 1, and more specifically the slide 20, from its neutral position P0 to its second extreme correction position P2.

[0028] For this purpose, the lever 28 preferably comprises a first arm 28a and a second arm 28b connected at the pivot point C of the lever 28, said first arm 28a having its free end 30 connected to the correction device 1 and the second arm 28b having its free end 32 arranged to be actuated by at least one actuating finger 34 in one direction or the other. More particularly, said free end 30 of the first arm 28a is integral with a pin 36 engaged in an eyelet provided on the slide 20.

[0029] Said at least one actuating finger 34 is arranged to be actuated by means of the control member 16 and to rotate the lever 28 in one direction or the other as long as said actuating finger 34 acts on the free end 32 of the second arm 28b of the lever 28. When the actuating finger 34, driven by the control member 16 in one direction or the other, leaves the free end 32 of the second arm 28b of the lever 28, said lever 28 is returned from one or the other of its extreme angular positions to its rest position by the slide 20 subjected to the action of its return member 18.

[0030] Advantageously, said at least one actuating finger 34 is integral with a wheel 38 arranged to be driven in rotation in one direction or the other by means of the control member 16 actuated in the corresponding direction.

[0031] Advantageously, it may be possible to use, for example, three actuating fingers 34 joined together to form a three-pointed star, attached to the wheel 38, as shown in the figure 1 .

[0032] Advantageously, the control member 16 is a manual control rod, operated by a user, and more specifically the winding stem of the movement. In a known manner, the control member 16 comprises a sliding pinion 40 arranged to drive a first gear 42 of a gear train 44 when the control rod, positioned in a pulled position, is rotated. The first gear 42 corresponds to the time-setting gear of a traditional watch movement. The operation of such a winding stem is known to those skilled in the art and does not require a detailed description.

[0033] Said return train 44 includes a final return 46 arranged to actuate the actuation device 14 of the correction device 1 in one direction or the other during a rotation of the control rod in one direction or the other, in order to be able to move said correction device 1 in translation in one direction or the other so as to correct one of the indicator members, independently of the other.

[0034] More specifically, the last link 46 is arranged to drive the wheel 38 attached to said at least one actuating finger 34.

[0035] The return train 44 is dimensioned so that the actuating finger 34 actuates the lever 28 at least once per turn of the control rod, in order to move the correction device 1 in one direction or the other at least once per turn of the control rod, so as to correct one or the other of the indicating members by at least one step per turn of the control rod.

[0036] The present invention also relates to a watch movement comprising a clockwork mechanism as described above. This watch movement may, for example, include a display device comprising the first and second indicator organs described above, and the clockwork mechanism is a correction mechanism for said indicator organs of the display device independently of each other. For example, the display device may be a time display device, the indicator organs being hour and minute indicator organs. The clockwork mechanism of the invention is then used as a correction mechanism for the hour display and the minute display independently of each other.

[0037] The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a clock mechanism or clock movement as described above.

[0038] The operation of the clockwork mechanism according to the invention is described below in relation to the figures 2 to 8 .

[0039] With reference to the figure 2 The clock mechanism is at rest, with the correcting device 1 in its neutral position P0, not subject to the action of its elastic return element 18. The first and second correcting elements 10, 12 carried by the slide 20 are inactive and positioned outside the radii of gyration of the associated stars 2, 4. Thus, if the stars 2, 4 are linked to indicating elements such as a minute and hour indicator, said indicating elements can rotate and function normally, without being hindered by the correcting elements 10, 12. The actuation device 14 is also inactive, with the lever 28 in its rest position.

[0040] With reference to the figure 3When a correction of the first indicator is necessary, the user pulls on the control member 16 to place it in the correction position. When the user turns the control member 16 clockwise, the sliding pinion 40 engages with the first gear 42 and drives the wheel 38 carrying the actuating finger 34 clockwise via the gear train 44, and in particular the gears 42 and 46. The actuating finger 34 then lifts the free end 32 of the second arm 28b of the lever 28 to pivot said lever 28 counterclockwise at point C. The first arm 28a, and in particular its free end 30, then moves away from its rest position in a counterclockwise direction, carrying the slide 20 along the pin 36 attached to said first arm 28a, which results in a translational displacement of the slide 20 along the X axis to the left, as shown in the figure 3The slide 20 is guided in its translational movement by the contact of the edges of its grooves 22 with the screws 24. During the translational movement of the slide 20, the first correction member 10, previously positioned at the rear of the associated star 2, also moves in translation along the X axis to the left so that it comes into contact with the star 2 and causes it to rotate counterclockwise, against the jumper 6. The elastic member 18 begins to tighten, its end 18a being driven to the left by the pin 26 of the slide 20.

[0041] When the user continues to turn the control member 16, the actuating finger 34 continues its clockwise rotation and continues to lift the second arm 28b, so that the first arm 28a continues its counterclockwise pivoting, driving the pin 36. As a result, the slide 20 and the correction members 10, 12 are pushed by the pin 36 and continue their translational movement along the X-axis to the left, as shown in the diagram. figure 4 , the first correction unit 10 continuing to drive the first star 2 in the counterclockwise direction.

[0042] The slide 20 and the correction elements 10, 12 continue their translational movement until the slide 20 reaches its first extreme correction position P1 as shown in the figure 5In this first extreme correction position P1, the first correction member 10 has rotated the first star 2 by one step, the jumper 6 having fallen back onto said star 2. The free end 32 of the second arm 28b of the lever 28 reaches the end of the actuating finger 34, the lever 28 having pivoted by an angle +α relative to its rest position to reach its first extreme angular position. The elastic member 18 is fully stretched.

[0043] When the user continues rotating the control member 16, the actuating finger 34 disengages from the free end 32 of the second arm 28b of the lever 28, so that the lever 28 is no longer held by the actuating finger 34 and no longer acts on the slide 20. The elastic element 18 can then relax and returns the slide 20 and the correction elements 10, 12 in translation to the right from the first extreme correction position P1 to the neutral position P0. The correction element 10 pivots when it passes over the star 2 during the return to the neutral position P0 and returns to its position thanks to its return spring 10a. Simultaneously, the slide 20, via the pin 36 attached to the first arm 28a of the lever 28, rotates the lever 28 clockwise to return it to its rest position. The mechanism then returned to its resting position. figure 2. During this entire correction phase of the first indicator organ by the first correction organ 10, the second correction organ 12 is at a distance from the second star 4.

[0044] With reference to the figure 6When a correction of the second indicator is necessary, the user pulls on the control member 16 to place it in the correction position. When the user turns the control member 16 counterclockwise, the sliding pinion 40 engages with the first gear 42 and drives the wheel 38 carrying the actuating finger 34 counterclockwise via the gear train 44, and in particular the gears 42 and 46. The actuating finger 34 then pushes the free end 32 of the second arm 28b of the lever 28 to pivot said lever 28 clockwise at point C. The first arm 28a, and in particular its free end 30, then moves away from its rest position in a clockwise direction, driving the slide 20 by means of the pin 36 attached to the first arm 28a, which results in a translational displacement of the slide 20 along the X-axis to the right, as shown in the figure 6The slide 20 is guided in its translational movement by the contact of the edges of its grooves 22 with the screws 24. During the translational movement of the slide 20, the second correction member 12, previously positioned at the rear of the associated star 4, also moves in translation along the X axis to the right so that it comes into contact with the star 4 and causes it to rotate clockwise, against the jumper 8. The elastic member 18 begins to tighten, its end 18a being driven to the right by the pin 26 of the slide 20.

[0045] When the user continues to turn the control member 16, the actuating finger 34 continues its counterclockwise rotation and continues to press on the second arm 28b, so that the first arm 28a continues its clockwise pivoting at point C, driving the pin 36. As a result, the slide 20 and the correction members 10, 12 are pulled by said pin 36 and continue their translational movement along the X-axis to the right, as shown in the diagram. figure 7 , the second correcting element 12 continuing to drive the second star 4 clockwise.

[0046] The slide 20 and the correction elements 10, 12 continue their translational movement until the slide 20 reaches its second extreme correction position P2 as shown in the figure 8In this second extreme correction position P2, the second correction member 12 has rotated the second star 4 by one step, the jumper 8 having fallen back onto said star 4. The free end 32 of the second arm 28b of the lever 28 reaches the end of the actuating finger 34, the lever 28 having pivoted by an angle -α with respect to its rest position to reach its second extreme angular position. The elastic member 18 is fully stretched.

[0047] When the user continues rotating the control member 16, the actuating finger 34 disengages from the free end 32 of the second arm 28b of the lever 28, so that the lever 28 is no longer held by the actuating finger 34 and no longer acts on the slide 20. The elastic member 18 can then relax and returns the slide 20 and the correction members 10, 12 in translation to the left from the second extreme correction position P2 to the neutral position P0. The correction member 12 pivots when it passes over the star 4 during the return to the neutral position P0 and returns to its position thanks to its return spring 12a. Simultaneously, the slide 20, via the pin 36 attached to the first arm 28a of the lever 28, rotates the lever 28 counterclockwise to return it to its rest position. The mechanism then returned to its resting position. figure 2. During this entire correction phase of the second indicator organ by the second correction organ 12, the first correction organ 10 is at a distance from the first star 2.

[0048] The clockwork mechanism of the invention therefore makes it possible to correct either of the correcting organs independently of each other, by rotating a control rod in one direction or the other.

[0049] When the two indicator bodies are arranged to be kinematically linked during the normal operation of the movement, a disengagement device is provided to allow the said indicator bodies to be disconnected from each other so that they can be corrected independently of each other by the mechanism of the invention.

[0050] The use of a slide 20 moving in a straight line in both directions allows the correcting elements to be positioned at each end of the slide 20. Consequently, the associated indicator elements can be placed further apart without compromising the accuracy and reliability of their independent correction. The extended slide also facilitates the arrangement of the various components of the watch movement around it, as the free surface area around the slide is increased. Furthermore, the indicator elements can be positioned more freely on the dial.

Claims

1. A clockwork mechanism comprising a correction device (1) for two indicating members, said correction device (1) being provided with two correcting members (10, 12), each arranged to be able to correct its respective indicating member, said correction device (1) being arranged to be movable up to a first extreme correction position (P1) to allow one of the correcting members (10, 12) to be able to act on the associated indicating member to correct it, the other of the correcting members (10, 12) being inactive, and up to a second extreme correction position (P2) to allow the other of the correcting members (10, 12) to be able to act on the associated indicating member to correct it, said one of the correcting members (10, 12) being inactive, an actuation device (14) for said correction device (1) and a control member (16),said actuation device (14) being arranged so as to be able to be controlled by said control member (16) to move said correction device (1) to one or the other of its extreme correction positions (P1, P2) to correct one or the other of said indicator members independently, , characterized in that the correction device (1) is arranged to be able to be moved selectively by said actuation device (14), via the control member (16), according to a rectilinear translational movement from a neutral position (P0) in one direction between said neutral position (P0) and the first extreme correction position (P1), and in the other direction between said neutral position (P0) and the second extreme correction position (P2), the return to the neutral position (P0) being ensured by an elastic return member (18) associated with the correction device (1).

2. Clockwork mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe correction device (1) includes a slide (20) extending along the axis of translational movement, said correction members (10, 12) being positioned on the slide (20) so that one is inactive with respect to the associated indicator member when the other acts on the other associated indicator member.

3. Clockwork mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Each correction member (10, 12) is a ratchet arranged to drive the associated indicator member by one step for its correction at each translational displacement of the correction device (1) up to the extreme correction position (P1, P2) in the corresponding direction.

4. Clockwork mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe actuation device (14) includes a lever (28) arranged to be linked to the correction device (1) and to be able to pivot in one direction between a rest position and a first extreme angular position so as to drive the correction device (1) from its neutral position (P0) to its first extreme correction position (P1) and to be able to pivot in the other direction between the rest position and a second extreme angular position so as to drive the correction device (1) from its neutral position (P0) to its second extreme correction position (P2).

5. Clockwork mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that the actuation device (14) includes at least one actuating finger (34) arranged to be actuated by means of the control member (16) and to rotate the lever (28) in one direction or the other.

6. Clockwork mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in thatsaid at least one actuating finger (34) is integral with a wheel (38) arranged to be driven in rotation in one direction or the other by means of the control member (16).

7. Clockwork mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the lever (28) comprises two arms (28a, 28b) connected at the pivot point (C) of the lever (28), namely a first arm (28a) having its free end (30) linked to the correction device (1) and a second arm (28b) having its free end (32) arranged to be actuated by said at least one actuating finger (34).

8. Clockwork mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe control member (16) is a control rod comprising a sliding pinion (40) arranged to drive a first linkage (42) of a linkage train (44) when the control rod, in a pulled position, is driven in rotation, said linkage train (44) comprising a last linkage (46) arranged to actuate the actuation device (14) of the correction device (1) in one direction or the other during a rotation of the control rod in one direction or the other.

9. Clockwork mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that the last linkage (46) is arranged to drive the wheel (38) attached to said at least one actuating finger (34).

10. Clock movement comprising a clockwork mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Clockwork movement according to claim 10, characterized in that It includes a display device comprising said indicator bodies and in thatthe clockwork mechanism is a mechanism for correcting the indicator organs of said display device independently of each other.

12. Timepiece comprising a clock mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a clock movement according to any one of claims 10 to 11.

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